Car Accidents and Compensation– Everything You Need to Know:
Traffic accidents are one of the most painful and common phenomena in Israeli life. Every year, thousands of people are injured– some with minor injuries, but many suffer severe bodily harm and even loss of life. In addition to the physical and mental harm, many of the injured also face financial difficulties, loss of the ability to work, medical expenses, and prolonged rehabilitation. In these cases, financial compensation is not just a question of justice, but often an existential necessity.
Although the law provides clear protections and rights for traffic accident victims, the process of receiving compensation is not always straightforward. It is a legal and professional process that requires knowledge, experience, and in-depth familiarity with rules and procedures, both with insurance companies and with state institutions.
The Legal Definition of a Car Accident
According to the Road Accident Victims Compensation Law, a car accident is “any event in which bodily harm is caused due to the use of a motor vehicle for transportation purposes”. The law gives a broad interpretation to the term “use”, and therefore even cases that seem marginal – such as an injury when getting out of the vehicle, an injury while repairing a roadside malfunction, or even an injury when opening a door – may be considered a road accident that qualifies for compensation.
The legislator’s approach is clear: if you were injured during any action related to the transportation function of a vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation, even if it was not a violent collision between two vehicles.
Who is Entitled to Compensation?
Eligibility for compensation is not limited to drivers. Any person injured in a traffic accident may be entitled to compensation, whether they are a driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or user of an electric scooter. Even a driver who is responsible for the accident is entitled to compensation, as long as they were insured with compulsory insurance (Bituech Chova).
When the accident is caused by someone uninsured or unknown (such as in a hit-and-run accident), or if the vehicle is stolen– you can contact the Karnit government fund, which is designed to ensure that victims are not left without compensation even when the person responsible is not reachable or is uninsured.
What Compensation Does the Victim Receive?
The amount of compensation that the injured party will receive is not uniform and is determined according to a variety of parameters: the severity of the injury, the age of the injured party, their income before the accident, their previous medical condition, and functional ability after the event. Sometimes, future needs must also be taken into account, such as rehabilitation treatment, housing adaptation, daily help, and additional medical expenses.
In addition to compensation for pain and suffering, victims may be entitled to reimbursement for lost wages, loss of work capacity, medical and psychological expenses, and professional support from therapists or various medical aids. Sometimes the compensation reaches hundreds of thousands of shekels–and even more– when the legal representation is professional and well-founded.
What is Involved in the Process?
The process begins with reporting the accident to the relevant insurance company or to Karnit. It is important to keep all documents, medical records, police reports, medical opinions, receipts, and proof of income. From this point on, you must prepare to build an organized claim file– and sometimes even to conduct legal proceedings if a dispute arises regarding the scope of compensation or the degree of disability determined for the injured party.
it is recommended to contact a lawyer who specializes in the field soon after the accident. Professional legal advice at an early stage can prevent mistakes, save valuable time, and significantly increase the chance of fully exercising the victim’s rights. These procedures require knowledge of the interpretation of the law, experience working with insurance companies, and sometimes also the assistance of medical experts to assess damages and future consequences.
Why Should You Contact a Lawyer?
Insurance companies operate on a profit basis and often offer victims compensation that is significantly lower than the amount they are entitled to. An unrepresented person has difficulty assessing the value of the case, their rights, or the strength of the claim they hold. An experienced lawyer will know how to formulate an effective claim, conduct firm and correct negotiations, and accompany the client until they receive compensation.
Beyond the professional aspect, the lawyer gives the injured party peace of mind and allows them to focus on recovery and rehabilitation, instead of dealing with complicated requirements, forms, and procedures. This is personal, human, and professional support, which makes one of the most challenging periods in life easier.
We Are Here to Help.
A car accident is a traumatic experience– not only physically, but also mentally, functionally, and financially. In Israel, the law guarantees every injured party the right to compensation, even if they are at fault for the accident, and even if they are a pedestrian or a non-driving cyclist. But to exercise this right, you must act correctly, promptly, and with appropriate legal assistance.
At Shimoff Azoulay Law Offices, we specialize in representing victims of traffic accidents. We are here to accompany you from the beginning– from the initial report to the insurance company, through the collection of documentation, the management of negotiations, or the legal process– until you receive the full compensation you deserve. We do not give up, we do not compromise– we act with full determination so that you can return to life in safety.